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Dandelion Chocolate Factory & Café Kuranmae
On the way to buy souvenirs, I unexpectedly stumbled upon a line of three people and a sign. Despite thinking that only enthusiasts would line up at this time, I found myself stopping by. (Although I had known about it before, I never expected to skip lunch and have a stylish café lunch...)
At noon under the scorching sun, I lined up with the parasol ladies for less than 10 minutes... and entered the store in less than 10 minutes. Inside the store, there is a sideboard and a counter in the back, a large table in the front, and 4-person tables placed around. After ordering at the sideboard, we sat at our preferred seats. The atmosphere inside was calming with large susuki flower arrangements, indirect lighting, soothing background music, giving off a vibe reminiscent of a hotel lounge. Although the store has full-length glass windows facing the street, they are blocked by curtains, preventing the outside view and keeping the summer light out, creating a cool atmosphere. The staff consisted of three young people who provided attentive service.
- White Peach Choux (Cream) ¥670
Standing at about 10cm tall and 8cm in diameter, I pondered for a moment on how to eat it... I ended up disassembling it, separating the cream on top and the choux pastry below. I cut the choux pastry into four pieces with a knife and ate the cream and white peach separately. The choux pastry was well-baked and pleasantly crispy. The cream was smooth, with a hint of peach essence mixed in. The sliced peach was finely crafted, making it easy to eat and enhancing the overall taste experience. It was not too sweet, not too bland, allowing the taste buds to savor the flavors. There was no need for a list of ingredients, as the handmade quality spoke for itself.
- Chai Tea ¥600
An Indian-style milk tea known as "Chai". The tea provided was surprisingly authentic. The base tea leaves were unspecified (probably black tea?). I did not inquire about the spices used, so it remained a mystery. Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves are common spices, but ginger and nutmeg are also possible... My imagination ran wild, but I should have asked... Satisfied with the subtle sweetness and complex spice flavors.
Overall, the café had a chic and simple atmosphere, in line with its image. Recently, unique shops have been gathering around the Kuranmae area, attracting a distinct atmosphere, especially at night when Kuranmae locals gather after work. I would definitely like to visit again at night...